Matthew Hoggard, former England Cricketer turned chef, is hosting a night of grilled goodness paired with gin from Rutland's own Multum Gin Parvo. 

On 10th October, Hoggy is offering an evening demonstrating his passion for grilling, guiding guests through each course. The food will be perfectly paired with Multum Gin Parvo's handcrafted gin for a true taste of Rutland with both being made from locally sourced ingredients. 

Hoggard first fell in love with grilling when he spent six months living in Johannesburg playing cricket at age 18. Grilling, locally referred to as braaing, is a central part of local life there and he had the joy of learning from people who had really mastered it.

Matthew Hoggard played Cricket for England between 2000 and 2013 before retiring and taking up his passion for grilling full time. (Photo: Hoggy's Grill)

When he retired from cricket in 2013, he grabbed the opportunity to concentrate on his passion for grilling and spent seven years honing his skills, learning from chefs across the world. 

He now runs a Cookery School and Grill Shop within Rutland Water Garden Nurseries, giving customers the chance to get their hands on fresh, local ingredients, beer and wine to perfectly pair with and the opportunity to take part in one of his famous grilling courses. 

"Tell me what you love to cook on your grill and I can offer you your perfect partner," says Hoggard. "For me, this has been 20 years in the making with a little bit of cricket that interfered along the way." 

To join Hoggard and Multum Gin Parvo for an evening with four courses of delicious food and Rutland gin, visit Hoggy's Grill website. 

To visit Hoggy's Grill shop and Cookery School, head to Rutland Nursery on Lyndon Road, Oakham.